Philippines: Floods and Landslides - Jan 2014

Glide: FL-2014-000006-PHL

Overview

On 10 Jan 2014, a low pressure area started to bring heavy rainfall in the southern Philippine, causing floods and landslides. On 17 Jan, it developed into Tropical Depression Lingling (locally known as Agaton) and maintained its strength until 20 Jan. As of 27 Jan, the Government reported 64 deaths and more than 1,148,000 people affected people in regions X, XI, XII, CARAGA and ARMM. The number of displaced people had decreased from 260,450 on 22 Jan to 108,991. (Govt, 27 Jan 2014)

On 1 Feb, Tropical storm Kajiki (locally known as Basyang) crossed over the central Philippines, causing floods and landslides in Cebu and Southern Leyte. Three people were killed and over 18,000 people took shelter in evacuation centers (Govt, 1 Feb 2014).

The Low Pressure Area (LPA) east of Visayas has developed into a Tropical Depression and was named "Mario" on 17 September 2014 and exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on 22 September 2014.

Alangalang, Leyte -Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Deputy Secretary Ewen McDonald will lead the project launch of the Australian grant for the construction of early childhood and development centers, to be implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services-National Community-Driven Development Program (KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP), tomorrow in this town.

Iraq: An estimated 500,000 Iraqis have fled Mosul following the city’s takeover by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The IDPs are fleeing from the west to the east of the city, to other parts of Ninevah governorate, and to the Kurdistan region. Indiscriminate shelling is reportedly continuing. In Anbar governorate, armed violence has displaced close to half a million people so far this year.

CAR: The security situation in Bangui has reportedly deteriorated; 25 have been killed in renewed clashes. Violence has disrupted the April–May planting season, which will likely lead to below-average 2014–2015 harvests.

Syria: 241,000 people are estimated to be living under siege, 196,000 besieged by government forces, and 45,000 by opposition forces. Nearly 2,000 civilians are reported to have been killed in air strikes on Aleppo this year. Humanitarian access to both government and opposition controlled areas dropped significantly in May.

Balkans: On 13 May, cyclone Tamara hit the Balkans. Heavy rainfall resulted in extensive flooding in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia; 1.6 million, 1.5 million, and 38,000 people have been affected, respectively. In total, 81,879 people have been evacuated. Relief efforts are being hampered by landslides, damaged infrastructure, blocked roads, and blackouts.

South Sudan: A cholera outbreak was reported in Juba, with 43 suspected cases and two deaths recorded. Displacement figures have climbed to 1,005,000 IDPs and 310,000 refugees in neighbouring countries. Juba and the South Sudan Democratic Movement/Army – Cobra Faction signed a peace agreement over conflict in the Greater Pibor area.

Iraq: 6,000 people fled the Iraqi military’s shelling of Fallujah over 6–16 May. The Iraqi Government has denied using barrel bombs, but residents keep describing what appear to be such devices.

South Sudan: Peace negotiations in Addis Ababa have resulted in a ceasefire agreement between South Sudan’s president and the head of the opposition. The number of IDPs in South Sudan stands at 983,000. Following fighting in Upper Nile state, at least 11,000 new South Sudanese refugees have crossed into Ethiopia, bringing the total to 120,000. Altogether, 341,000 South Sudanese refugees are in neighbouring countries.

Syria: Fierce fighting between opposition groups has led to further displacement in Deir-ez-Zor while a truce between the Government and the opposition is expected to see the Old City of Homs handed over to the Government after its recent campaign to retake it.

Summary: This update summarizes the progress made since the allocation of Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) – and subsequently the launch of emergency appeal to support the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in providing assistance to families affected by typhoons and floods on Luzon Island – until 15 March 2014.

Twelve days after severe flooding devastated Honiara and greater Guadalcanal, around 9,000 people remain displaced in Honiara, and over 50,000 people are affected with 21 confirmed deaths. Government relief efforts continue with the support of partners. The Government is fast-tracking food and water relief from Monday, 14 Apr.
Source: OCHA ROP

After having researched, AMDA's medical team discovered that Lupon town, located 4-hour drive from Davao, was damaged severely.

They decided to help implement activities in Marayag region in Lupon town since most of the houses in the area were fully or partially damaged by massive landslides. Thankfully, Armed Force of the Philippines (AFP) came with the team for security reasons and supported them. As they went through mountain roads to reach Lupon town, they witnessed many landslides that were several hundred meters big.

At 4:00PM today, Tropical Depression "Domeng" was estimated at 510 km east northeast of Davao City (8.1ºN, 130.6ºE) with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center. It is forecast to move northwest at 5kph.

Syria: Violence continues in and around Damascus, with government shelling and retaliation attacks from opposition fighters. Armed confrontations are also reported in the northwest, near the Syria–Turkey border, including in Lattakia where heavy fighting has continued for two weeks. To date, over nine million people are in need of assistance, and more than 2.6 million have fled the country. In late March, successful negotiations allowed food distribution to four million people. This was the first dispatch to all provinces for six months.

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is offering a P20,000 emergency loan to GSIS members working or residing in Gingoog City until April 16, 2014, to aid in their recovery after typhoon Agaton wrought destruction in this eastern part of Misamis Oriental.

“We earmarked a budget of P22 million for the program to assist more than a thousand members affected by Typhoon Agaton in Gingoog,” GSIS President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara said.